Hayward sand filter needs primed every time

Does the pump require priming? Most will need to be primed in order to create suction


I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_66a56a0239b6ab32

You can go to the Hayward web site and download the manual and parts list. They also will trouble shoot basic issues over the phone. Here is the manual website: http://www.hayward-pool.com/prd/In-Ground-Pool-Manuals_10201_10551_14502_-1_17009__I.htm
Here is the main page for help. You will need to register to get a live person. http://www.haywardnet.com/contactus/
Air leaks are the enemy here. Check all unions and valves. Also, if you are handy you can replace the impeller and seal on the motor. If you are getting sand blown into the pool, you will need to remove the sand and inspect the fingers inside the tank. Replace sand carefully so as to not damage fingers. If the pump will not stay primed, recheck for air leaks. That should be enough to get you started. Download everything and study it, then call tech support after you have tried the basics. Good Luck!

Do you have problems priming the system? If so you may have a suction leak in the plumbing attached to the front of the pump or a bad 0-ring seal in a valve. Symptom would be that when you set up to vac. The pump would lose prime or move very little water. Also maybe a clogged pump impeller.

I happen to have a copy of the users manual for this pool filter. These are the instructions for operating your filter.

1. Be sure correct amount of filter sand media is in tank and
that all connections have been made and are secure.
2. Depress Vari-Flo control valve handle and rotate to
BACKWASH* position. (To prevent damage to control valve
seal, always depress handle before turning.)
3. Prime and start pump according to pump instructions (be
sure all suction and return lines are open), allowing the filter
tank to fill with water.
WARNING: ALL SUCTION AND
DISCHARGE VALVES MUST BE OPEN WHEN
STARTING THE SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO
SO COULD CAUSE SEVERE PERSONAL
INJURY.
Once water flow is steady out the waste line, run the pump for
at least 2 minutes. The initial back-washing of the filter is
recommended to remove any impurities or fine sand particles
in the sand media.
4. Turn pump off and set valve to RINSE position. Start pump
and operate until water in sight glass is clear—about 1/2 to 1
minute. Turn pump off, set valve to FILTER position and
restart pump. Your filter is now operating in the normal filter
mode, filtering particles from the pool water.
5. Adjust pool suction and return valves to achieve desired
flow. Check system and filter for water leaks and tighten
connections, bolts, nuts, as required.
6. Note the initial pressure gauge reading when the filter is
clean. (It will vary from pool to pool depending upon the
pump and general piping system). As the filter removes dirt
and impurities from the pool water, the accumulation in the
filter will cause the pressure to rise and flow to diminish.
When the pressure gauge reading is 8-10 PSI (0.55-0.69
BAR) higher than the initial "clean" pressure you noted, it is
time to backwash (clean) the filter (see BACKWASH under
Filter Control Valve Functions.)

You need a rebuild kit for the valve and possible a sand change. Sand should be changed ever 3 - 5 years or so depending on overall pool conditions.

The gasket inside the valve is out of place and therefore allowing water to leak out the waste port. Use a gokit to replace all the gasket/orings and you should stop the leak.

If the flow is still bad, inspect the sand and change it if necessary.

www.arrowmotor.net and use the contact button. You would likely want the rebuild kit that includes all the gaskets and o-rings.

Be sure to include the model number off the valve, which should have SP at the beginning.

You need to replace the seal in the head unit of the filter.. The sand should be replaced every three years or buy a cleaning solution.

Key Cover Assy needs new spider gasket. If it is a newer model the gasket is made into the key cover and it will have to be replaced